top of page
Easy tarot spreads
We have been teaching professional tarot readers for well over three decades! More than that, we have been reading tarot for even longer than that! Here are some of our favorite spreads that will wow your clients—absolutely free—along with full instructions on how and when to use them best!
Printable handouts
Did you know that your book comes with FREE HANDOUTS? Originally these were made for the ebook version, but you can download them to help your tarot studies simply by clicking the friendly blue button below (just pick the ones you want). These free handouts are for BOTH tarot books.
Shuffling, cutting, & dealing
Below we have made some short-attention-span-friendly example videos of the various techniques professionals use and we constantly refer to in the various tarot courses we offer.
As straightforward as it may seem, not everyone knows every shuffle, cut, and how to deal. Sometimes you know the technique, but the term used is different from what you are used to. To make everything just a little easier, here are some short videos showcasing the important basics.
Video examples of core techniques
Overhand Shuffle
This is an effective and quiet way to shuffle you can do without having to focus on your cards. Combine this with the French Cut technique and a casual Side Shuffle.
While this does not mix your cards as thoroughly as a bridge or riffle shuffle, those methods of shuffling force your attention on the cards to the point where you are not paying any attention to your client, and usually not enough attention to your question. They are also rather loud.
To "shuffle your question into your deck, you need to be able to think intently and drive your thoughts "into your hands." That is what makes this combination of techniques so powerful.
While this does not mix your cards as thoroughly as a bridge or riffle shuffle, those methods of shuffling force your attention on the cards to the point where you are not paying any attention to your client, and usually not enough attention to your question. They are also rather loud.
To "shuffle your question into your deck, you need to be able to think intently and drive your thoughts "into your hands." That is what makes this combination of techniques so powerful.
Strip Shuffle
This is an excellent alternative to the Overhand Shuffle, and can be combined with that to alternate between them.
The main difference is that the Overhand Shuffle usually requires you to hold your cards by the ends instead of the sides. Given how large standard-sized tarot cards are, and how many decks are oversized, the Overhand Shuffle is just not possible or comfortable.
The Overhand Shuffle works best with a "pocket size" or "miniature" deck, whereas the Strip Shuffle can be used with practically any sized deck.
Use this with the French Cut and Overhand Shuffle — and possibly even a Side Shuffle for a relaxing way to thoroughly mix your cards while focusing on your client.
The main difference is that the Overhand Shuffle usually requires you to hold your cards by the ends instead of the sides. Given how large standard-sized tarot cards are, and how many decks are oversized, the Overhand Shuffle is just not possible or comfortable.
The Overhand Shuffle works best with a "pocket size" or "miniature" deck, whereas the Strip Shuffle can be used with practically any sized deck.
Use this with the French Cut and Overhand Shuffle — and possibly even a Side Shuffle for a relaxing way to thoroughly mix your cards while focusing on your client.
Riffle Shuffle
This is the "Las Vegas" style shuffle useful for new decks, large decks, or cards you don't want to bend.
It is not as loud as a Bridge Shuffle and affords you more control of your cards, but it takes some practice to master. It is popular in casinos as it minimizes the ability for onlookers to determine what cards are near the top or bottom of the deck.
This, and the Bridge Shuffle, are the most thorough ways of quickly and thoroughly mixing your cards, except for "Washing the deck," which can get quite messy.
It is not as loud as a Bridge Shuffle and affords you more control of your cards, but it takes some practice to master. It is popular in casinos as it minimizes the ability for onlookers to determine what cards are near the top or bottom of the deck.
This, and the Bridge Shuffle, are the most thorough ways of quickly and thoroughly mixing your cards, except for "Washing the deck," which can get quite messy.
"Spinning" or "Twisting" the deck
This is a great way to "reset" your cards in between clients. Place your cards in either palm and slap your hand on top of the deck. Simply rotate each hand in opposite directions.
This has the effect of resetting which cards are reversed, so you don't get the same reversed cards in every reading.
You will have to "square up the deck" afterwards, but with just a little practice this all becomes second nature and you don't even need to put conscious thought into it.
Do this at least once per session if not between each client. Combine this with any shuffling technique.
Conversely, you can make this one of the first things you do when "shuffling your question into your deck. This has the effect of cementing your (current) question into your cards from the outset of your shuffling.
This has the effect of resetting which cards are reversed, so you don't get the same reversed cards in every reading.
You will have to "square up the deck" afterwards, but with just a little practice this all becomes second nature and you don't even need to put conscious thought into it.
Do this at least once per session if not between each client. Combine this with any shuffling technique.
Conversely, you can make this one of the first things you do when "shuffling your question into your deck. This has the effect of cementing your (current) question into your cards from the outset of your shuffling.
"Washing" the deck
Without a doubt, this is far and away the most effective method of "reseting" your cards between clients.
The key is to simply spread your cards and focus on mixing the top and bottom of your deck into the middle.
This technique requires some room, and the more room you have to spread the cards, the better it works.
But it is not a good way to "shuffle your question into your cards." It seems like it would be, but decades of experience has disproven that idea, even when countered by fervent wishful thinking.
This *will* make some of your cards reversed, just like spinning the deck. This is a good skill to develop, even if you don't use it very often.
As always, be gentle with your cards, as this technique could have you accidentally shove a few off of the table if you are not careful, or bend some if you are too vigorous.
The key is to simply spread your cards and focus on mixing the top and bottom of your deck into the middle.
This technique requires some room, and the more room you have to spread the cards, the better it works.
But it is not a good way to "shuffle your question into your cards." It seems like it would be, but decades of experience has disproven that idea, even when countered by fervent wishful thinking.
This *will* make some of your cards reversed, just like spinning the deck. This is a good skill to develop, even if you don't use it very often.
As always, be gentle with your cards, as this technique could have you accidentally shove a few off of the table if you are not careful, or bend some if you are too vigorous.
Meow
This is really just a demonstration of 1-card spreads using the flipping technique.
Micki is going extremely quickly. Obviously in practice or a real reading you would flip one card, examine it, and let it sit while you are talking to your client.
The emphasis here is to show you what we mean when we use the term "flipping" instead of "turning." The techniques are equally valid, but you should find out which technique feels more comfortable to your hands early on, as your deck will be aligned to your "normal method" of getting the card from a face-down pile onto a face-up placement in front of you.
The key is not to change from flipping to turning, or turning to flipping in the middle of a spread or a reading.
One card spreads are good for short, punchy answers, but they offer no validation, spread verification, or depth of detail.
Micki is going extremely quickly. Obviously in practice or a real reading you would flip one card, examine it, and let it sit while you are talking to your client.
The emphasis here is to show you what we mean when we use the term "flipping" instead of "turning." The techniques are equally valid, but you should find out which technique feels more comfortable to your hands early on, as your deck will be aligned to your "normal method" of getting the card from a face-down pile onto a face-up placement in front of you.
The key is not to change from flipping to turning, or turning to flipping in the middle of a spread or a reading.
One card spreads are good for short, punchy answers, but they offer no validation, spread verification, or depth of detail.
Turning cards
This is really just a demonstration of 1-card spreads using the turning technique. In this method, the cards do not reverse themselves when dealt. Instead, they "turn" or rotate on their vertical axis, like a door opening or closing.
In this video, Micki is turning her cards from right to left. You can turn them in whatever direction feels most comfortable. Just be consistent.
Micki is going extremely quickly. Obviously in practice or a real reading you would flip one card, examine it, and let it sit while you are talking to your client.
The emphasis here is to show you what we mean when we use the term "flipping" instead of "turning." The techniques are equally valid, but you should find out which technique feels more comfortable to your hands early on, as your deck will be aligned to your "normal method" of getting the card from a face-down pile onto a face-up placement in front of you.
The key is not to change from flipping to turning, or turning to flipping in the middle of a spread or a reading.
In this video, Micki is turning her cards from right to left. You can turn them in whatever direction feels most comfortable. Just be consistent.
Micki is going extremely quickly. Obviously in practice or a real reading you would flip one card, examine it, and let it sit while you are talking to your client.
The emphasis here is to show you what we mean when we use the term "flipping" instead of "turning." The techniques are equally valid, but you should find out which technique feels more comfortable to your hands early on, as your deck will be aligned to your "normal method" of getting the card from a face-down pile onto a face-up placement in front of you.
The key is not to change from flipping to turning, or turning to flipping in the middle of a spread or a reading.
Flipping cards
Here is a demonstration of 2-card spreads using the flipping technique.
Once again, Micki is going quickly so as not to bore you waiting for the cards to be flipped, but you would never do it this fast. This is "speedy" to show you the technique.
When you cast two-card spreads you are not casting two (one-card) spreads. You are shuffling your question into your deck, specifically stating (mentally) that you will "draw two cards" to answer your question.
These two cards will work together or fight each other (more on this in class), depending on the circumstance, environment, and either drama (conflict) or teamwork involved therein.
You can place your cards close together, as Micki has in these videos, or spread them apart. But do so with a purpose. Make the distance between cards and their position mean something that contributes to your answer—or just lat one card next to the other. Both of these techniques work and neither is superior. It is a matter of personal taste, and also your needs at the moment you are casting that spread.
Once again, Micki is going quickly so as not to bore you waiting for the cards to be flipped, but you would never do it this fast. This is "speedy" to show you the technique.
When you cast two-card spreads you are not casting two (one-card) spreads. You are shuffling your question into your deck, specifically stating (mentally) that you will "draw two cards" to answer your question.
These two cards will work together or fight each other (more on this in class), depending on the circumstance, environment, and either drama (conflict) or teamwork involved therein.
You can place your cards close together, as Micki has in these videos, or spread them apart. But do so with a purpose. Make the distance between cards and their position mean something that contributes to your answer—or just lat one card next to the other. Both of these techniques work and neither is superior. It is a matter of personal taste, and also your needs at the moment you are casting that spread.
Turning cards
Here we have a demonstration of 2-card spreads using the turning technique.
Micki is going quickly. You need to go "slowly," and examine your cards. This is just to illustrate the technique.
When you cast two-card spreads you are not casting two (one-card) spreads. You are shuffling your question into your deck, specifically stating (mentally) that you will "draw two cards" to answer your question.
These two cards will work together or fight each other (more on this in class), depending on the circumstance, environment, and either drama (conflict) or teamwork involved therein.
You can place your cards close together, as Micki has in these videos, or spread them apart. But do so with a purpose. Make the distance between cards and their position mean something that contributes to your answer—or just lat one card next to the other. Both of these techniques work and neither is superior. It is a matter of personal taste, and also your needs at the moment you are casting that spread.
Micki is going quickly. You need to go "slowly," and examine your cards. This is just to illustrate the technique.
When you cast two-card spreads you are not casting two (one-card) spreads. You are shuffling your question into your deck, specifically stating (mentally) that you will "draw two cards" to answer your question.
These two cards will work together or fight each other (more on this in class), depending on the circumstance, environment, and either drama (conflict) or teamwork involved therein.
You can place your cards close together, as Micki has in these videos, or spread them apart. But do so with a purpose. Make the distance between cards and their position mean something that contributes to your answer—or just lat one card next to the other. Both of these techniques work and neither is superior. It is a matter of personal taste, and also your needs at the moment you are casting that spread.
Flipping cards
For a more thorough explanation of the usefulness and pitfalls of 3-card spreads, please see the next video, or come to class.
Here we are using the flipping technique. Both turning and flipping work *extremely well*, so practice both methods until you find what feels most natural to you and stick with that. This is part of developing your own professional style and flair that actually adds to the quality of your readings. It's not just presentation.
Once again (see previous video for more), 3-card spreads are incredibly useful for "opening up cards," expanding a spread ("and then . . . "), and pre-spread work, which we will examine in the black book.
But on their own, they provide scant information and make for a very poor "main meal" unless you are just giving away readings. Don't EVER charge your full retail rate and think you can suck someone's wallet dry and give them a scanty 3-card blob reading.
Here we are using the flipping technique. Both turning and flipping work *extremely well*, so practice both methods until you find what feels most natural to you and stick with that. This is part of developing your own professional style and flair that actually adds to the quality of your readings. It's not just presentation.
Once again (see previous video for more), 3-card spreads are incredibly useful for "opening up cards," expanding a spread ("and then . . . "), and pre-spread work, which we will examine in the black book.
But on their own, they provide scant information and make for a very poor "main meal" unless you are just giving away readings. Don't EVER charge your full retail rate and think you can suck someone's wallet dry and give them a scanty 3-card blob reading.
Turning cards
This is demonstration of 3-card spreads using the turning technique. For further clarification, see either of the 2-card techniques.
3-card spreads are wildly popular, as two cards is "not quite enough" (like one bite of a cookie), and 4-card spreads are bordering on a full meal. People like 3-card spreads because they are a "light snack" of information.
Do NOT rely on 3-card spreads to give you much information in place of a real spread. Too many readers think that all they need is three cards. They are not only mistaken, they give the rest of us a bad name with their incomplete readings.
Still, 3-card spreads have their uses, and you should become comfortable shuffling your question into your cards and being able to quickly, easily, and *accurately* throw down a three card spread. Much much more on this is taught in class, so please show up and take notes.
3-card spreads are wildly popular, as two cards is "not quite enough" (like one bite of a cookie), and 4-card spreads are bordering on a full meal. People like 3-card spreads because they are a "light snack" of information.
Do NOT rely on 3-card spreads to give you much information in place of a real spread. Too many readers think that all they need is three cards. They are not only mistaken, they give the rest of us a bad name with their incomplete readings.
Still, 3-card spreads have their uses, and you should become comfortable shuffling your question into your cards and being able to quickly, easily, and *accurately* throw down a three card spread. Much much more on this is taught in class, so please show up and take notes.
Flipping cards
For detailed information on the usefulness of small multi-card spreads (2, 3, and 4 cards), please see the previous video descriptions.
This is an example of a simple 4-card spread cast horizontally. This is a "blob spread," and has limited value considering how much energy you need to invest to cast this, versus a full spread, which will provide you far more detailed information (literally "for free").
But, you should be aware of these and able to cast them. Often when working with 4-card spreads you will want to lay down your cards in a diamond or square shape and assign values to each card position.
Card-positions that are "up" or vertically superior to other cards often reflect a higher thought, optimism, expectations, or things more public, while cards that are "lower" often indicate things hidden, repressed, or avoided, as well as fears and lower places.
There are no hard fast rules. But there is tradition and also reinforcing the basic human reactions to height and longitude. We will cover this far more in depth toward the end of the course when we examine how you can invent your own (accurate and useful) spreads.
This is an example of a simple 4-card spread cast horizontally. This is a "blob spread," and has limited value considering how much energy you need to invest to cast this, versus a full spread, which will provide you far more detailed information (literally "for free").
But, you should be aware of these and able to cast them. Often when working with 4-card spreads you will want to lay down your cards in a diamond or square shape and assign values to each card position.
Card-positions that are "up" or vertically superior to other cards often reflect a higher thought, optimism, expectations, or things more public, while cards that are "lower" often indicate things hidden, repressed, or avoided, as well as fears and lower places.
There are no hard fast rules. But there is tradition and also reinforcing the basic human reactions to height and longitude. We will cover this far more in depth toward the end of the course when we examine how you can invent your own (accurate and useful) spreads.
Turning cards
In this video we have a demonstration of 4-card spreads using the Turning technique. For a deeper look into 4-card spreads please see the previous video.
Shapes matter, but only when you specifically assign value to them and worth that into your process.
Shapes matter, but only when you specifically assign value to them and worth that into your process.
French Cut
I am not sure if this has a real name. I have always heard of it as a "French Cut," and it is one of my absolute favorite ways to mix up cards. It is quiet, easy, and efficient.
This is best paired up with any true shuffling technique (bridge, riffle, side . . .) as yo can shuffle, shuffle, cut, shuffle, quietly, and it is an automatic process that allows you to focus on your client.
Micki is holding the cards perpendicular to herself here, but the angle is not important. It seems most people hold their cards at a much greater angle. It really comes down to what works for you.
This is best paired up with any true shuffling technique (bridge, riffle, side . . .) as yo can shuffle, shuffle, cut, shuffle, quietly, and it is an automatic process that allows you to focus on your client.
Micki is holding the cards perpendicular to herself here, but the angle is not important. It seems most people hold their cards at a much greater angle. It really comes down to what works for you.
Bridge Shuffle
This is probably the most popular shuffle in the world. It is *loud* and not very useful in most reading situations as it can annoy other people. It also distracts your client.
But it is easy to do (for most people, except with standard sized tarot cards, as tarot cards tend to be larger than most people's hands can comfortably shuffle (see riffle and side shuffles as alternatives).
But, all of that said, this is an *excellent* method of shuffling if you want to announce your presence (like at a loud party) without having to shout "Hey! I am giving tarot readings here." Use judiciously. Great way to thoroughly mix cards without reversing them. Freya is our lovely hand model in this video.
But it is easy to do (for most people, except with standard sized tarot cards, as tarot cards tend to be larger than most people's hands can comfortably shuffle (see riffle and side shuffles as alternatives).
But, all of that said, this is an *excellent* method of shuffling if you want to announce your presence (like at a loud party) without having to shout "Hey! I am giving tarot readings here." Use judiciously. Great way to thoroughly mix cards without reversing them. Freya is our lovely hand model in this video.
bottom of page